How hard is it to install a new mid-pipe??

[PSCBrenden]

Ok, im planning on installing a MAC O/R H-Pipe this saturday and by no means am i mechanicly inclined. About the only thing i do is oil changes. Well i did install my K&N charger and Tri-Ax by myself without any issues. So that being said do you think i will be able to take on the mid-pipe.

I planned on using ramps since i dont have jack stands. good idea??

Also is there any place i can get a detailed install guide with pictures?? Pref for 99-04 GTs

Thanks for the help.

 

[SSS281]

8 bolts, thats it
unclip the 02 sensors and leave them in the pipe...unbolt the pipe and drop it down, switch the 02s over (there are 4) and bolt it back up. plug the mils in between the 02 clips...ready to go. ramps will work fine; good luck

 

[csledd]

I've heard a lot of complaints about reaching the passenger side bolts, might be the starter in the way.. I dunno for sure though. It is a fairly simple process, as long as you don't have problems with that

 

[Mossberg]

The only trouble you may have is if the bolts are rusted. Hit em with PB blaster before you start. I hope you have a lot of socket extensions and swivles!

PS: DISCONNECT THE BATTERY! or the starter will zap you.

 

[mac1009]

http://www.mustangworld.com/ourpics/fcar/hpip1.htm

There's one for rough reference. Not having the rear jacked up may make the install a bit harder, but it can still be done. As everyone said, make sure you have some swivels, and some long extensions(I used a 14", 10", and 6", but I think you can do it w/ just a 10" and 6"). Also, because you car is an '04, you'll need O2 extensions for the rear O2's.

 

[SonicBlueBabe]

PS: DISCONNECT THE BATTERY! or the starter will zap you.

:damnit: why didnt i remember that the first time i changed out my midpipe!

I always put wd40 on the bolts in before i jack the car up so they have time to soak and then are easy to remove. Dont forget to unplug the sensors by the headers

 

[96WhiteNight]

8 bolts, thats it
unclip the 02 sensors and leave them in the pipe...unbolt the pipe and drop it down, switch the 02s over (there are 4) and bolt it back up. plug the mils in between the 02 clips...ready to go. ramps will work fine; good luck

+1

un plug the battery is key

extensions and swivels will help

 

[forpit2000gt]

does a spacer have to be removed on the 04's like on the 99-00?

 

[EDGE Motorsport]

I just got done installing the mac off road h pipe this weekend. All i had are some 10" high wodden ramps i made.

Here are my tips:

1) Soak those manifold bolts in wd40 or pb blaster every few hours the day before you want to remove them.

2) The drivers side bolts come off easily as you dont need any swivels at all, just straight regular extensions.

3) you WILL need to use a swivel on the passengers side bolts, they are a major PITA to get to as the starter blocks your hand from getting up there.

4) When you get all the new stuff on there with the new studs and nuts that MAC provide, just do the nuts up tight enough to stop it falling apart at first. That gives you enough time and manouverability to get everything in the right place before you start tightening things up.

5) Be carefull where you put the o2 wiring, dont let it dangle on to the hot pipes.

6) You SHOULD remove the battery connections, I totally forgot but got away with it............. This time......

7) Make sure you have at least 3 buddies around when you start it up for the first time as you dont want to be grinning like an idiot with no one around to see

Good luck with the install and keep us posted...

EDGE

btw, I've got a Borla cat back and it sounds frickin awesome....

 

[SonicBlueBabe]

does a spacer have to be removed on the 04's like on the 99-00?

There's no spacer in my car so I'd imagine no. Where is there a spacer?

 

[96WhiteNight]

7) Make sure you have at least 3 buddies around when you start it up for the first time as you dont want to be grinning like an idiot with no one around to see

EDGE

btw, I've got a Borla cat back and it sounds frickin awesome....

Good tip

 

[forpit2000gt]

There's no spacer in my car so I'd imagine no. Where is there a spacer?

On my 2000, there was a spacer on the pass side manifold bolts. It had to be removed so the pipe would seal properly. I think you can replace the stud and do the same thing. I have always had a lift and air tools, so I am not relly sure about doing it on the ground. Everything is easy except the pass side. you need a friend to line up the tailpipes when you tighten. ( it helps anyways)

 

[SonicBlueBabe]

On my 2000, there was a spacer on the pass side manifold bolts. It had to be removed so the pipe would seal properly. I think you can replace the stud and do the same thing. I have always had a lift and air tools, so I am not relly sure about doing it on the ground. Everything is easy except the pass side. you need a friend to line up the tailpipes when you tighten. ( it helps anyways)

Are you talking about a gasket? I can't remember if I had a gasket on mine. Well, if I did, I dont now lol

 

[propellerhead]

On a scale of 1 to 10, if changing a tire is a 1 and changing an engine is a 10, the mid pipe swap is probably a 3 or 4.

I have some installation notes in my cardomain thing. It applies to a 2004. See sig.

If you want to come to Fort Worth, I can help you. The Auto Hobby Shop at NAS JRB Fort Worth is like 10 minutes from me.

 

[96WhiteNight]

Are you talking about a gasket? I can't remember if I had a gasket on mine. Well, if I did, I dont now lol

Yea he is talkin about the passenger side gasket. Which they do have, i just picked up a copper one don't try and get a factory pos. Spend the extra 3 dollars its worth your time.

 

[SRT Handz]

The Pipe is easy to install. Here are some tips i used.

For the passenger side bolt, Use a 1/2 inch drive and a long Extention with a Universal joint to move around all the other stuff.

Use WD-40 all on the bolts, they will come off easier

Put something underneath the mufflers so they dont hang and muss stuff up when installing the pipe

and tighten the hell out of the bolts....exaust leaks sucks

 

[EDGE Motorsport]

and tighten the hell out of the bolts....exaust leaks sucks

I hear ya buddy....

EDGE